v. 6. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness, literally, "Many a man meets a man of his pleasantness," for an outward show of pleasantness, an amiable exterior, is not unusual; but a faithful man, one upon whom one may depend in time of need, who can find? Such faithfulness is rare. read more
ε) Admonition to avoid drunkenness, sloth, a contentious spirit, etcChap. 201 Wine is a mocker, strong drink boisterous,whosoever is led astray thereby is not wise.2 As the roaring of a lion is the dread of the king;he that provoketh him sinneth against his own soul.3 It is an honor to a man to dwell far from strife,but every fool breaketh forth.4 The sluggard plougheth not because of the cold;he seeketh in harvest and hath nothing.5 Counsel in the heart of a man is as... read more
Proverbs A STRING OF PEARLS Pro_20:1 - Pro_20:7 . The connection between the verses of this passage is only in their common purpose to set forth some details of a righteous life, and to brand the opposite vices. A slight affinity may be doubtfully traced in one or two adjacent proverbs, but that is all. First comes temperance, enforced by the picture of a drunkard. Wine and strong drink are, as it were, personified, and their effects on men are painted as their own characters. And an ugly... read more
Sobriety; Industry; Honesty Proverbs 20:1-15 Strong drink is the greatest of all foes to human happiness. It gains an influence over men by fair promises, but when once it is entrenched, it mocks at the misery of its abject slave. It promises strength for the arm, joy for the heart, brilliance for the mind; but those fair promises are not kept, and the end is impotence, misery, and imbecility. Let each reader of these words henceforth utterly abjure it! The sluggard is depicted throughout... read more
Verse Proverbs 20:9. This is the eternal challenge which has but one answer. When a man recognizes this he begins to inquire for a Saviour. Verse Proverbs 20:14. "It is bad, it is bad," is the description which the buyer gives of the article of which he wishes to possess himself. The words used today are not identical, but the same buyer is in the markets. Verse Proverbs 20:21. Another of the ancient proverbs to which men need to attend today. It would be well to have this plainly engraved... read more
Proverbs Of Solomon Part 2 (Proverbs 15:22 to Proverbs 22:16 ). At this point there is a sudden switch from proverbs which contrast one thing with another, which have been predominant since Proverbs 10:1, to proverbs where the second clause adds something to the first. Whilst we still find some contrasting proverbs, especially at the beginning, they are not so common. This may suggest a deliberate intention by Solomon to separate his proverbs into two parts. Furthermore such a change at this... read more
Proverbs 20. We have still further traces in Proverbs 20:9; Proverbs 20:24 of the sceptical spirit and “ the obstinate questionings of self” characteristic of the later Greek period of Jewish thought. Proverbs 20:6 a. RV is strained and the Heb. is difficult. Read ( cf. Syr. and Lat.) “ Many a man is called kind.” Proverbs 20:8 . winnoweth ( mg.) is more literal than RV, and conveys better the idea of personal scrutiny ( cf. the ideal king in Psalms 72 and Isaiah 11). Proverbs 20:9 . For the... read more
Most men are forward to profess religion, and speak of their own good deeds; but a faithful man, one who is indeed what he seemeth and professeth himself to be, who can find? there are but few such to be found. read more
CRITICAL NOTES.—Proverbs 20:6. Miller reads the first clause of this verse, “Much of the mere man one calls his goodness,” i.e., “Much that is merely human.” He allows, however, that the usual rendering conveys a very striking meaning and agrees admirably with the second clause. The Hebrew word means literally abundance of men. Delitzsch translates, “Almost everyone meeteth a man who is gracious unto him; but a man who standeth the test, who findeth such a one?” Proverbs 20:7. This verse should... read more
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George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:6
Faithful. Few continue steady to their engagements or friends, whom they will assist to a certain point. In God these two virtues always go together, Psalm lxxxiv. 11. But they are rarely found in men. (Calmet) read more